Microsoft Executive Faces Backlash for AI Advice Amid Layoffs
A Microsoft executive has found himself in the spotlight after suggesting that recently laid-off employees use artificial intelligence to cope with their job losses. The company recently reduced its workforce by approximately 9,000 people, with a significant number of these cuts occurring in its gaming division. This move is part of a broader strategy to shift focus and invest heavily in artificial intelligence.
Matt Turnbull, an executive producer at Xbox Game Studios Publishing, shared AI-generated prompts on LinkedIn aimed at helping displaced workers with career planning, resume writing, and emotional support. Although the post has since been removed, it triggered a wave of criticism on social media, with many users labeling him as “out of touch” and “tone-deaf.”
Turnbull’s message encouraged employees to use chatbots to manage feelings of imposter syndrome and reframe their layoff experiences in a more positive light. He also suggested using AI to create 30-day job search plans and tailor resumes for different industries. His comments came just days after Microsoft shut down several major studios, including Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks, following layoffs at Xbox, Activision Blizzard, and Bethesda.
Despite Microsoft’s commitment of roughly $80 billion to expand its AI infrastructure, critics argue that the company’s rapid downsizing of human staff highlights a growing divide between its investment in automation and its treatment of employees.
“I know these types of tools engender strong feelings in people, but I’d be remiss in not trying to offer the best advice I can under the circumstances,” Turnbull wrote. However, the Daily Mail has yet to receive a response from him.
The debate surrounding his now-deleted LinkedIn post highlighted a broader conversation about AI’s role in the workplace. Turnbull emphasized that AI could not replace the “lived experience” of workers but suggested it could help them get “unstuck faster, calmer, and with more clarity” during times of limited mental energy.
However, experts have pointed out that his comments lacked empathy and raised questions about the irony of recommending AI as a coping tool when Microsoft is at the forefront of AI development, potentially displacing human workers.
The backlash was immediate, with many former Microsoft employees and industry professionals calling Turnbull’s comments insensitive. Eric Smith, a Zenimax Online producer who was laid off this week, said, “Jesus Christ, read the room dude.” Paul Murphy, a game designer, added, “I’m sure you’re trying to help, but WTF. You hired these folks once.”
The irony of the situation became even more pronounced when considering Microsoft’s role as both a leader in AI and a company overseeing large-scale layoffs. The company has made substantial investments in AI tools like Copilot and ChatGPT, which are designed to assist workers with tasks such as writing, coding, and problem-solving.
However, the increasing use of these tools in the workplace raises concerns about the displacement of workers and the ethical implications of replacing human roles with machines. As millions of people begin to turn to AI for personal and professional support, the relationship between these tools and job security becomes even more complex.
AI platforms like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini have experienced tremendous growth, especially in the United States, where millions of people are now actively using these tools. ChatGPT alone has over 100 million active monthly users globally, with a significant portion based in the US.
The number of users in the US has skyrocketed, with the tool being used for a range of applications, including career coaching, resume assistance, and even mental health support. In 2024, it was estimated that approximately 40 percent of Americans had used some form of AI, with tools like ChatGPT seeing particular growth among professionals looking to improve productivity or navigate job transitions.
The growing adoption of AI technologies is happening at a time when major tech companies, including Microsoft, Meta, and Google, are laying off thousands of employees. Microsoft alone cut over 25,000 jobs across multiple sectors from 2023 to 2025, with many positions now being automated or supplemented by AI tools.
